Committee Summary for House Election Law (01/27/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1627 00:00:57.760 - 9:00:18 AM	Public Hearing	creating a single primary ballot.	Coker, Matthew(R)[C]2025
HB1520 00:23:42.000 - 9:23:03 AM	Public Hearing	defining citizenship for the purposes of voting.	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025
HB1520 01:03:09.599 - 10:02:30 AM	Public Hearing	defining citizenship for the purposes of voting.	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025
HB1382 01:05:50.400 - 10:05:11 AM	Public Hearing	relative to proof of citizenship for overseas voters voting under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.	McGrath, Linda(R)[B]2025
CACR14 01:06:59.680 - 10:06:20 AM	Public Hearing	relating to qualifications for office. Providing that candidates of the office of governor, state senator, and state representative shall be citizens of the United States.	Kuttab, Katelyn(R)[B]2025
HB1382 01:17:16.480 - 10:16:37 AM	Executive Session	relative to proof of citizenship for overseas voters voting under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.	McGrath, Linda(R)[B]2025
HB1678 01:20:45.760 - 10:20:06 AM	Executive Session	requiring the secretary of state to accept voter registration forms directly from voters and to create an online portal for direct voter registration.	Long, Patrick(D)[D]2025
CACR21 01:23:41.760 - 10:23:02 AM	Public Hearing	relating to voting eligibility. Providing that only legal residents who are at least 18 years of age or older who reside in the place they claim as domicile shall be eligible voters.	Berry, Ross(R)[A+]2025
HB1081 01:31:48.000 - 10:31:09 AM	Executive Session	requiring political committees to certify with the secretary of state whether they have, or anticipate having, less than $1,000 in receipts or expenditures in an election cycle.	Lane, Connie(D)[CT]2025
HB1031 2026-0293h 01:37:40.960 - 10:37:01 AM	Executive Session	enabling candidates for state office to use campaign funds to pay for security measures.	Thomas, Wendy(D)[CT]2025
HB1106 01:41:39.520 - 10:41:00 AM	Public Hearing	requiring the public disclosure of the citizenship of a candidate for public office.	Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)[A-]2025
HB1487 01:59:58.960 - 10:59:19 AM	Executive Session	creating an independent commission to propose redistricting maps for the legislature to consider.	Lane, Connie(D)[CT]2025
HB1163 02:05:22.400 - 11:04:43 AM	Executive Session	requiring the secretary of state to create and maintain a uniform election records management system.	Bernardy, JD(R)[B+]2025
HB1396 03:01:43.760 - 12:01:04 PM	Public Hearing	relative to vacancies in state offices.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1306 04:15:13.600 - 1:14:34 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the counting of absentee ballots.	Burnham, Claudine(R)[A-]2025
HB1429 2024-? (drafting error amendment) 04:36:16.400 - 1:35:37 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the of hand-counting ballots at large polling places.	Dargie, Paul(D)[F]2025
HB1695 04:54:03.600 - 1:53:24 PM	Public Hearing	requiring the secretary of state to include a voter's guide to the proposed constitutional amendment to voters on the ballot.	Lane, Connie(D)[CT]2025
HB1821 05:07:04.480 - 2:06:25 PM	Public Hearing	exempting certain information collected from electronic ballot counting devices from right-to-know law restrictions.	Soti, Julius(R)[A+]2025

HB1627: Representative Matt Coker, Belknap 2nd District, Meredith, NH Information Only00:00:57.760 - 9:00:18 AM; Representative Coker introduces House Bill 1627, which aims to create a single primary ballot. He expresses excitement about presenting the bill and notes that he represents the Belknap second district, including the town of Meredith, New Hampshire.
HB1627: Representative Matt Coker, Belknap 2nd District, Meredith, NH Support00:01:51.759 - 9:01:12 AM; Representative Coker explains the bill's purpose to reform the primary election process by placing all candidates on a single ballot to reduce polarization and empower voters. He argues that primaries in safe districts decide elections with low turnout, allowing a small fraction of voters to choose winners. The bill incentivizes candidates to appeal broadly rather than to party bases. Mechanically, for a two-person district like his, up to four candidates advance to the general election after the primary. He exempts the presidential primary as a baby step. Coker addresses questions on voter education, citing a large fiscal note for a statewide campaign, road shows by the Secretary of State, and New Hampshire's savvy electorate. He defends the bill against concerns about cost by emphasizing reduced polarization, citing examples like partisan Super Bowl shows. He notes other states like Alaska, Washington, California, and Nebraska use similar systems. On gerrymandering, he believes it requires removing human bias, possibly via AI, but this bill is a complementary step. Looking ahead, he envisions more moderate representatives reflecting average New Hampshire voters, reducing partisanship.
HB1627: Warner Horn, representing One People, Inc. Support00:10:46.800 - 9:10:07 AM; Warner Horn introduced himself as representing One People, Inc., a national nonprofit that organized the New Hampshire Together program in Manchester in 2023. This deliberative democracy exercise involved 50 carefully curated Granite Staters representing the state's demographics across sex, political affiliation, age, and other factors. The legislation before the committee emerged from this civic assembly, where proposals required over 80% approval after deliberation with subject matter experts, stakeholders, Republicans, Democrats, and independents. Horn explained that the group concluded a single ballot primary would reduce political polarization by encouraging candidates to appeal to all voters, not just partisan corners. He noted that the current primary system worked when 90% of the state was red or blue but fails now with a majority of independents, as it silos voters into camps, forcing them to choose from slates where they may agree with some candidates but not others. Under a single ballot primary, voters could evaluate all candidates regardless of party and select those they connect with most. This would produce candidates focused on collaboration and solutions rather than partisan machines. Horn offered to take questions and responded to committee inquiries on demographic representation and voter discernment in past elections, arguing that the current system often yields hyper-partisan candidates who fail in general elections, while a single ballot would foster more moderate, broadly appealing ones.
HB1627: Sarah Ortiz, Open Democracy Support00:16:54.480 - 9:16:15 AM; Sarah Ortiz supports HB 1627, arguing it gives Granite Staters more say in elections by creating a single primary ballot where all voters choose from the same candidate pool, regardless of party. The top two candidates advance to the general election, encouraging less radical candidates who appeal to broad support. This strengthens voter choice based on values and ideas, not party labels. Undeclared voters no longer choose a party ballot, allowing support for the best candidate. She urges OTP on HB 1627 as a pro-voter reform for a representative system.
HB1627: Olivia Zinc, Open Democracy Support00:19:44.320 - 9:19:05 AM; Olivia Zinc, responding to committee questions, emphasizes New Hampshire's 40% undeclared voters and shares experiences as an election worker where voters wrote in candidates on mismatched ballots that didn't count. HB 1627 ensures all voters get the same ballot, allowing choices that count, unlike current separate party ballots. She notes split-ticket voting in generals and how the reform reduces confusion, eliminates party declaration issues on election day, and promotes voting based on character over ideology. She offers demographics from a citizen assembly showing diverse representation.
HB1520: Representative Bob Weary, Hillsboro District 13, Hudson Information Only00:23:42.000 - 9:23:03 AM; Representative Bob Weary introduces HB 1520 to address non-resident voting concerns by defining a qualified voter through a state citizenship oath, establishing consent to New Hampshire's body politic per the state constitution. He cites data showing 6,540 out-of-state license holders voted in 2016, with only 15.5% getting NH licenses soon after, suggesting thousands of potential non-residents. He discusses federal law allowing 30-day residency for presidential voting, historical colonization fraud risks from Dunn v. Blumstein, and how the bill deters fraud without durational requirements. He notes current system disadvantages NH residents voting elsewhere and proposes the oath as constitutional, open to amendments. In Q&A, he explains the process could involve election officials, suggests alternatives like stricter license enforcement but argues they assume compliance which isn't occurring, and clarifies the bill doesn't require birth in NH—naturalized citizens via oath would qualify, but US citizenship is needed for federal elections.
HB1520: Representative Bob Weary, Hillsboro District 13, Hudson Support00:36:20.160 - 9:35:41 AM; The representative continues his testimony, discussing historical aspects of citizenship and residency requirements in the New Hampshire Constitution. He addresses questions about obtaining New Hampshire citizenship on election day, the distinction between residency and domicile, potential impacts on other statutes, familiarity with HB 115, the proposed proof of citizenship including oaths of allegiance, compatibility with the 14th Amendment, the Dunn v. Blumstein case, and requirements for driver's licenses. He emphasizes openness to amendments and starting a conversation on clarifying state citizenship for voting.
HB1520: Sanene Manahar Oppose00:49:29.520 - 9:48:50 AM; The speaker, who came to testify on another bill but was shocked by HB 1520, expresses strong opposition. She views the bill as a slippery slope or Trojan horse that could lead to New Hampshire seceding from the United States, using concerns about non-resident voting as a pretext. She warns that it undermines national unity, references the pledge of allegiance, and suggests it plays into the hands of foreign adversaries like Putin and China, potentially splitting the nation.
HB1520: Patrick Binder, Manchester, Hampshire First Citizen Advocacy Group Support00:51:32.480 - 9:50:53 AM; The speaker supports the bill, sharing his experience moving from California to New Hampshire 10 years ago and willingness to take an oath of allegiance, suggesting it could be based on the New Hampshire Bill of Rights. He notes the undefined term 'New Hampshire citizen' in statutes and praises the bill for providing clarity, strengthening the voting franchise, and differentiating domicile from residency without conflicting with the 14th Amendment. He dismisses fears of secession as fear-mongering.
HB1520: Jonathan Sowski, Concord, taxpayer Oppose00:53:44.880 - 9:53:05 AM; Jonathan Sowski introduced himself as a taxpayer from Concord raising four children in New Hampshire. He mentioned his master's degree from Plymouth State, 15 years of residence in the state, and his origin from Massachusetts. He referenced a pledge taken 20 years ago to defend the U.S. Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic. He questioned whether a pledge of allegiance to New Hampshire would supersede his constitutional pledge and suggested the bill warrants research on this issue. He stated his opposition to the bill and wished to go on record against it.
HB1520: Liz Tentelli, President of the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, Manchester Oppose00:55:05.119 - 9:54:26 AM; Liz Tentelli opposes the bill, arguing that it introduces unnecessary confusion and difficulty to the voting process. She shares her initial reaction of being infuriated by the proposed oath, viewing it as a pledge of allegiance, which she rejects after 50 years in New Hampshire. She distributes copies of her testimony, including Vermont's voter oath from 1777, which she reads and explains: voters swear or affirm that they vote in good conscience for the best good of the state, without fear or favor of any person. She asserts that this reflects the inherent intent of all voters in New Hampshire, making an additional oath redundant and presumptuous. Tentelli notes that voters already vote for what they believe is the common good without coercion. She references the U.S. Constitution's implicit citizenship in one's state of residence and highlights that a law requiring proof of U.S. citizenship, passed two years ago, is already in effect, rendering HB 1520 utterly unnecessary.
HB1520: Liz Tentelli, President of the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, Manchester Oppose00:58:54.559 - 9:58:15 AM; Continuing her testimony, Liz Tentelli argues that proving New Hampshire citizenship is impractical, as no such card from the Secretary of State or oath of allegiance exists. She highlights the $2.5 million fiscal note for voter education, doubting it can be effectively done. She expresses shock at the bill's implications, notes the sponsors' involvement in other citizenship-related bills like HB 115, and wonders if this lays groundwork for secession efforts seen in 2022 and 2024. Passionate about the issue, she apologizes for going over time but offers to answer questions.
HB1520: Lois Cody, Manchester, New Hampshire Oppose01:01:09.200 - 10:00:30 AM; In her written testimony read by Olivia, 79-year-old Lois Cody, a long-time New Hampshire resident born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, affirms her loyalty to the US and New Hampshire Constitutions and the rule of law. She argues that HB 1520 violates the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to those born or naturalized in the US and the state of residence. She deems the oath of allegiance requirement for those born outside New Hampshire unnecessary and questions if the bill stems from secessionist sentiments, urging the committee to kill it. Olivia adds a personal note from her 16-year-old daughter, who called the bill a bad idea for impacting non-native New Hampshirites.
HB1520: Sarah Ortiz, Open Democracy Oppose01:03:09.599 - 10:02:30 AM; Sarah Ortiz opposes HB1520, arguing it imposes undue burdens on eligible voters by creating unnecessary paperwork, requiring an oath of allegiance for those born out-of-state, and mandating New Hampshire citizenship. She highlights how the bill could disqualify homeowners, part-time residents, students, and women changing names due to marriage or divorce, exacerbating inequalities. As a domestic violence survivor, she shares personal challenges in obtaining documents like birth certificates and divorce decrees, which could cost money and pose safety risks. She notes the bill's fiscal impact over $2.5 million and urges the committee to oppose it to maintain fair access to voting.
HB1382: Representative Ray Information Only01:05:50.400 - 10:05:11 AM; Representative Ray informs the committee that after discussion with the prime sponsor, Representative McGrath, it was determined that HB1382 conflicts with US law. The sponsor requests the committee render it inexpedient to legislate (ITL). No further testimony is provided, and the public hearing is closed after reporting support and opposition numbers.
CACR14: Representative Keatan Coutab Support01:06:59.680 - 10:06:20 AM; Representative Coutab introduces CACR14 to amend the state constitution to require US citizenship for candidates for governor, state senator, and representative, aligning with existing statute RSA 655:1 from 1979 that had bipartisan support. He argues the current constitution only requires inhabitancy, and statutes exceed constitutional authority, citing US Supreme Court case US Term Limits v. Thornton (1995). He addresses questions on exclusions like executive council (which mirrors senate qualifications), voter registration requirements, and potential challenges, emphasizing prevention of future legal delays. He welcomes questions and clarifies no non-citizens have been elected but stresses constitutional alignment.
CACR14: Patrick Bender, New Hampshire First Support01:14:34.480 - 10:13:55 AM; Patrick Bender supports CACR14 for aligning constitution and statutes, suggesting amendments to specify 'citizen of New Hampshire' or 'natural-born citizen of the United States' like presidential requirements. He addresses questions about his organization (citizen advocacy group), awareness of other states' natural-born requirements (none known, but sees it as prudent), and supports stronger franchise protections, even if it affects his own eligibility as a transplant.
HB1382: Committee Vote Vote01:17:16.480 - 10:16:37 AM; The committee votes unanimously 15-0 to find HB1382 inexpedient to legislate (ITL) per the sponsor's request due to conflict with US law. The bill is placed on the consent calendar without objection.
HB1678: Representative Prunomo'Brian Oppose01:20:45.760 - 10:20:06 AM; Representative Prunomo'Brian moves ITL, arguing the bill is unnecessary given existing voter registration methods and its large fiscal note. Representative Lane supports the bill for modernizing access, especially for those unable to visit town offices. The committee votes 9-7 for ITL. Majority report by Prunomo'Brian, minority by Newsome.
CACR21: Representative Barry Support01:23:41.760 - 10:23:02 AM; Representative Barry introduces CACR21 to add US citizenship requirement to the state constitution for voters aged 18+, noting current RSA coverage but aiming to protect against national trends allowing non-citizen voting. He announces an amendment removing domicile and qualified voter language, focusing solely on citizenship addition to line 3. He addresses questions on necessity (to constitutionalize against future changes), line 4 (reverts to inhabitant), and confirms no intent to address domicile complexities.
HB1081: Representative Qualey Oppose01:31:48.000 - 10:31:09 AM; Representative Qualey moves ITL, calling the bill redundant as existing statutes imply compliance by non-filing under $1,000 threshold, adding unnecessary burden without public benefit and presuming guilt. Representative Lane supports for transparency and clarity on non-filing reasons. The committee votes 9-7 for ITL. Majority by Qualey, minority by Lane.
HB1031 2026-0293h: Committee Vote Vote01:37:40.960 - 10:37:01 AM; The committee adopts amendment 2026-0293h by voice vote to remove the $3,000 spending cap. Then votes unanimously 16-0 for ought to pass as amended. The bill is placed on consent calendar without objection; Chairman Barry responsible for report.
HB1106: Representative Matt Sabodka, Seabrook Support01:41:39.520 - 10:41:00 AM; Representative Sabodka introduces HB1106 requiring candidates to disclose dual citizenship based on knowledge or reasonable belief, citing a gap in current checks and using his near-Italian citizenship as example. He frames it as a right-to-know issue for security and conflicts, not prohibition, with perjury penalties under RSA 641:1 and dismissal under RSA 92:2. He addresses questions on state vs. foreign citizenship (focus on foreign), naturalized citizens' challenges, intent for felony (for hiding), and openness to narrowing to foreign nations.
HB1106: Representative Timothy O'Han, Durham Oppose01:53:27.520 - 10:52:48 AM; Representative O'Han opposes HB1106 as unnecessary, noting candidates often disclose foreign roots voluntarily (e.g., Lily Tang Williams), longstanding clear laws since 1979, and risks of felony penalties for unknowing cases like adoptees or expatriates. He shares anecdotes from reunion and travel showing many have foreign ties without issue, advising vote no.
HB1106: Patrick Bender, New Hampshire First, Manchester Support01:56:08.719 - 10:55:29 AM; Patrick Bender supports HB1106 for voter right-to-know on potential split allegiances, appreciating 'reasonable belief' language. He notes not all voters meet candidates to ask directly and sees disclosure as addressing system flaws without prohibition. Addresses questions on known dual citizens (hears of some), felony appropriateness (yes for oath), and disqualification (uncertain on current laws).
HB1487: Representative Gazowski Oppose01:59:58.960 - 10:59:19 AM; Representative Gazowski moves ITL, arguing the bill shifts constitutional legislative duty to unelected commission and courts, creating bureaucracy and costs. Discussion includes alternatives like criteria to dilute partisanship (Lane supports for fairness, 82% public preference), single ballot primary (Wilhelm), and concerns over Supreme Court involvement (C). Votes 9-7 for ITL. Majority by Gazowski, minority by Lane.
HB1163: Representative Wood Oppose02:05:22.400 - 11:04:43 AM; Representative Wood moves ITL. Representative Weary notes sponsor's intent was procedures for consistency in forms and documentation, not a 'system' as titled, leading to misconstrued fiscal note; sees merit in revisiting. Unanimous 16-0 vote for ITL, placed on consent calendar. Weary writes majority report.
HB1396: Representative Joe Sweeney, Salem, Rockingham District 25 Support03:01:43.760 - 12:01:04 PM; Representative Sweeney introduces HB1396 and requests it not be passed as written due to time constraints in drafting. He has prepared an amendment allowing the governor and executive council to appoint a replacement from the same party as the vacating representative to ensure voter continuity without costly special elections. He highlights the high costs to municipalities like Salem ($20,000 for one seat) and benefits to representation and party costs. He answers committee questions on deadlines, scope to other offices, independents, party changes, mandatory appointments, and local input, suggesting refinements like a 30-day appointment timeline and clarifying for unaffiliated members.
HB1396: Representative Timothy O'Han, Durham, Strafford County District 10 Oppose03:26:58.560 - 12:26:19 PM; Representative O'Han opposes both the original bill and the proposed amendment. He argues the original bill is anti-democratic, making New Hampshire the only state without provisions for filling state rep vacancies, leaving seats empty for up to two years. He supports current law allowing special elections if municipalities request within timelines (15 weeks before March 15th of second year). He notes recent vacancies where some communities like Salem opted out due to costs, but believes communities should decide, and special elections provide voter input on party representation. He criticizes the amendment for potential executive branch bias and lack of voter involvement, recommending ITL to maintain existing law.
HB1396: Bob Perry, Strafford Oppose03:38:00.160 - 12:37:21 PM; Bob Perry opposes the bill as introduced, which eliminates special elections for state representative vacancies, potentially leaving districts unrepresented for the remainder of the term, affecting thousands. He emphasizes the importance of local governments' influence in deciding on elections and the value of representatives in informing constituents and local officials. He notes smaller municipalities sometimes use hand counts to reduce costs but urges decisions based on voters' wishes, not just expense. He recommends ITL to preserve the chain of information between state, local governments, and inhabitants.
HB1396: Representative Clodine Bham, Strafford District 2 Support03:45:16.399 - 12:44:37 PM; Representative Bham introduces HB1462, prompted by constituents wrongfully accused of voter fraud without due process in domicile investigations. The bill establishes a fair process including complaint filing, proper authority for investigations, permissible inquiries by the AG's office, and rules for the DOJ to adopt for transparent procedures.
HB1396: Representative Kelly Patenza, Stratford District 19 Support03:48:02.960 - 12:47:23 PM; Representative Patenza supports HB1396, emphasizing its nonpartisan nature as it addresses voter intimidation experienced by both Republicans and Democrats. She highlights the current lack of a required complaint form on the DOJ website, allowing baseless accusations without evidence, particularly against election workers and officials. She shares stories of two constituents: Adam Finkele, who faced intense scrutiny over residency despite being domiciled in New Hampshire, and a voter in Durham harassed by an estranged brother despite family confirmation of residency. Patenza stresses the need for a mandatory 'shall' form to ensure proper processes, prevent intrusive investigations into private matters like medical records or utility bills, and keep DOJ within guardrails. She notes discussions with the Secretary of State on domicile definitions and urges the committee to refine the bill to protect voters' rights without hindering legitimate investigations.
HB1396: Jim Fenchum and Dan Jimenez, Department of Justice Oppose04:00:41.520 - 1:00:02 PM; Jim Fenchum and Dan Jimenez from the DOJ oppose HB1396, citing legal conflicts with existing laws like RSA 76, RSA 654, and the Help America Vote Act, as well as separation of powers issues by restricting the AG's constitutional authority to investigate on their own motion. They argue the bill impairs investigations by requiring written complaints, which could exclude verbal reports from election officials or anonymous tips, create logistical issues, and hinder domicile verification—a fact-intensive process requiring broad evidence review. The bill would limit access to exculpatory evidence, complicate prosecutions for non-citizen or non-resident voting, and raise ethical concerns by preventing full investigations. They note potential chilling effects on whistleblowers due to RSA 91A exposure, increased litigation risks, and conflicts with privacy laws. At minimum, they suggest amendments to align with RSA 76C to preserve AG discretion. They acknowledge the value of the existing online form but oppose mandating it.
HB1306: Representative Burnham Support04:15:13.600 - 1:14:34 PM; Representative Burnham introduces HB1306, which proposes a standardized form for tracking absentee ballots similar to same-day voting protocols, ensuring transparency and accountability across all cities and towns. She notes many clerks already track ballots informally and that the Secretary of State's office can create the form without added burden, capturing data on ballots received, sent out, returned, and counted. Drawing from prior discussions with former deputy secretary Hennessy, she emphasizes that the new system supports this process to enhance election integrity for all paper ballots. Burnham hopes the committee will advance the bill this time.
HB1306: Diane Fischer, Hampstead, NH Support04:17:56.800 - 1:17:17 PM; Diane Fischer from Hampstead, NH, spontaneously decided to testify upon arriving. She draws an analogy between preparing for a storm—receiving multiple warnings and advisories to ensure readiness—and the need for similar precautions in elections to maintain their integrity. She emphasizes that elections are crucial safeguards for the nation's history and that HB1306 is a simple, straightforward bill akin to basic business accounting: tracking what comes in, what is used, and what remains. She notes the existing tracking system and references the Secretary of State's admission that while New Hampshire has great elections, they could be better. Fischer argues the bill is reasonable, requires minimal effort, and would enhance public trust in government and election fairness by closing potential gaps. She urges the committee to consider it as a basic step toward stronger integrity, like maintaining a retaining wall to prevent future failures.
HB1306: Deborah from Manchester Support04:21:55.040 - 1:21:16 PM; Deborah testifies in favor of HB1306, emphasizing the need to reconcile all absentee ballots, including uncast ones, to fix a gap in New Hampshire's chain of custody. She references findings from Linda Brown and Brenda Towns, emailed to the committee, showing that clerks and moderators currently only account for requested absentee ballots, not uncast ones. She highlights a case in Manchester Ward 2 where a 2024 primary was won by one vote, and misplaced absentee ballots from Ward 3 were found in Ward 2, underscoring the risks in close races. Deborah cites the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) best practices, which recommend using HAVA funds for ballot accounting tools and treating all ballots equally, including cast, spoiled, provisional, unused, and uncast absentee ballots after polls close. She compares ballots to money and inventory in a business, arguing that failing to account for uncast absentee ballots leads to lost revenue equivalent to a broken chain of custody. She provides alarming audit data from Linda Brown, noting that New Hampshire does not certify or reconcile received or uncast absentee ballots post-election, making full reconciliation impossible. Brenda Towns' findings reveal that nearly 1 million absentee ballots were printed for the 2020, 2022, and 2024 general elections, but none were certified or logged by municipalities, meaning only 71% of ballots are reconciled. An estimated 563,000 printed absentee ballots were not recorded as cast, based on printing invoices versus Secretary of State summaries, raising questions about their use. In recent elections, margins of victory for major offices were 3 to 10 times smaller than this unreconciled number, potentially allowing errors or bad actors to undermine results. Deborah urges the committee to pass HB1306 to add a reconciliation sheet for absentee ballots, mirroring general election processes, to ensure secure, verifiable elections and close this loophole.
HB1306: Tina Gilford, Town Clerk, Derry, NH City and Town Clerks Association Information Only04:29:34.960 - 1:28:55 PM; Tina Gilford, town clerk from Derry and legislative chair of the New Hampshire City and Town Clerks Association, testified on the need for better accountability in counting absentee ballots. She highlighted the issue of emailing ballots to UOCAVA voters, who print and mail them back, and noted that without tracking the number emailed, reconciliation won't match. She emphasized including this in the bill to ensure math adds up and prevent finger-pointing. She also mentioned spoiled absentee ballots used in test decks per the election procedure manual, recommending 15 for machine testing, and stressed accounting for all ballots, including those printed on regular paper, to maintain accuracy on election day.
HB1429 2024-? (drafting error amendment): Representative Paul Darie, Milford Support04:36:16.400 - 1:35:37 PM; Representative Paul Darie from Milford testified in support of HB1429 FN, filed at the request of Milford's town moderator. He explained that current law doesn't allow pausing ballot counting, which has become problematic due to complicated processes, increased hand counting, and delays in recent elections, like in Londonderry finishing at 4 a.m. The bill allows moderators to pause counting during significant delays to let workers rest, reducing errors from fatigue. Potential issues include technical failures, voter rushes, large hand-counted ballots, write-ins, worker shortages, weather, or power failures. The pause ensures chain of custody and oversight. An amendment fixes a drafting error. This rare option will maintain election integrity without increasing errors.
HB1429 2024-? (drafting error amendment): Pete Paselier, Town Moderator and School District Moderator, Milford Support04:45:58.798 - 1:45:19 PM; Pete Paselier, serving as moderator for 18 years in Milford, one of the largest polling places in the state with 10,000 registered voters and 8,000 participants in the last election, compliments Representative Paul Darie's responses. He describes the long hours: polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m., with staff arriving by 4:45 a.m. and potentially staying until 1:00 a.m. or later, as seen in other towns like Londonderry during presidential elections. He manages 150 volunteers in three shifts, with the last shift starting at 3:30 p.m. and staying until completion. HB 1429 addresses fatigue and error risks for key personnel like moderators and clerks after 18-20 hours. It proposes an optional recess to resume counting with fresh staff, ensuring accurate counts and election integrity. This applies to large communities or small ones facing issues like power outages or weather events. Paselier notes moderators retain discretion to continue without recess. For facility issues, like in Milford's high school gymnasium, plans could involve rescheduling classes or moving to a secure location, coordinated in advance with administrators. He suggests amending RSA 659:53, as recommended by the Secretary of State, for better implementation, either via this bill or directly, to enhance transparency and accuracy.
HB1429 2024-? (drafting error amendment): Pete Paselier, Town Moderator and School District Moderator, Milford Information Only04:52:04.080 - 1:51:25 PM; Pete Paselier continues his testimony, concluding his remarks and offering to take questions from the committee. In response to Representative Gazowski's question about whether the moderator has flexibility to call in additional help if polls run late, he affirms that it is possible but practically challenging. He explains that polls are open until 8:00 p.m., and calling people late at night to assist into the early hours would be difficult, with uncertainty about willingness to help.
HB1695: Representative Connie Lane, Merrimack District 16 Information Only04:54:03.600 - 1:53:24 PM; Representative Lane explains the purpose of HB1695, which aims to improve voter understanding of constitutional amendments. She references past confusion with a probate clerk amendment and notes collaboration with the Secretary of State over the summer. The bill requires the voter's guide to include statements on what happens if the amendment passes or fails, allowing additional information. To address ballot length concerns, if the text is too long, it will be provided in a separate informational document handed to voters, not counted in the ballot. The goal is to make explanations clearer and more voter-friendly without changing the amendment process.
HB1695: Carol Canarium Support04:59:53.200 - 1:59:14 PM; Carol Canarium supports the bill, emphasizing the confusion voters face at polls when constitutional amendment language is unclear. She notes that people she talks to look forward to this bill passing to provide clear language, helping voters understand whether 'yes' means yes or no.
HB1695: Chase Eaglesen, New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities Support05:01:19.200 - 2:00:40 PM; Chase Eaglesen, policy and planning coordinator for the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities, testified in support of HB1695. He described the legislation as an accessibility aid, particularly for people with developmental disabilities, but also beneficial for the general public. It would help ensure voters have a full and complete understanding of proposed constitutional amendments, thereby increasing voter confidence and ensuring the final vote more accurately reflects the actual will of the voters. Additionally, it may decrease under-voting on constitutional amendments. He cited the last presidential election where approximately 130,000 more voters participated in the presidential race than in the vote on the constitutional amendment regarding judicial retirement age.
HB1695: Liz Tentterelli, President of the League of Women Voters Support05:02:40.320 - 2:02:01 PM; Liz Tentterelli testified in support of HB1695, emphasizing the League's mission to empower voters by providing neutral guides to constitutional amendment questions (CACRs) that reach the ballot. She described past efforts to disseminate information, such as asking sponsors for explanations, posting on their website, emailing members, using social media with simple yes/no vote explanations (e.g., yes raises judges' retirement age to 65, no keeps it at 70), sharing at tabling events and candidate forums, and distributing flyers via state libraries' voter van service. Despite these, they only reach a small fraction of the public, leaving most voters confused at the polls since ballot language lacks strikeouts or bolding to show changes. She noted discussions with the Secretary of State about distributing explanatory papers at polls, but this leads to partisan notes on the back, undermining neutrality. Tentterelli urged including explanations directly on the ballot and recommended the committee pass the bill.
HB1821: Julius Soti, representing Londonderry and Windham Support05:07:04.480 - 2:06:25 PM; Julius Soti introduces himself as the representative for Londonderry and Windham. He explains that the intent of HB1821 is to promote election transparency, particularly with the new voting machines which are easier to audit, including by citizens. He states that he is bringing the bill forward on behalf of constituent Tom Murray, who is an expert on election issues and diagnosed the Windham incident prior to the audit. Soti defers the rest of the time to Tom Murray to speak.
HB1821: Tom Murray Support05:08:14.400 - 2:07:35 PM; Tom Murray testified in support of HB1821, emphasizing that the bill restores transparency in elections by allowing public access to ballot images and cast vote records while protecting voter anonymity. He highlighted New Hampshire's use of paper ballots scanned into digital images by machines like Dominion and VotingWorks, which generate certified results. The bill, a bipartisan effort, includes secure retention, audit logs, standardized formats, and penalties for misuse, prompted by issues in Windham where discrepancies led to costly audits. Murray explained that ballot images are records of machine counts, not voter identities, enabling independent verification to prevent disputes, recounts, and litigation. He noted that states like Georgia, Wisconsin, and Vermont provide similar access without compromising privacy, strengthening public confidence. The bill aligns with the Secretary of State's voter confidence committee goals and addresses narrowing access to records over time. Murray argued that trust is earned through transparency, not blind faith, and the bill sets clear rules for future elections to save resources and reduce adversarial proceedings. During Q&A, he addressed questions on including school elections, data storage by the Secretary of State's office, availability of write-in results, protections against identifying marks (already unlawful under statute), impact on recounts (feasible with modern machines), dual storage for chain of custody and federal compliance, municipal storage capacity, and provisions against revealing voter identity.
HB1821: Tina Guilford, New Hampshire City and Town Clerks Association Information Only05:22:28.080 - 2:21:49 PM; Tina Guilford from the New Hampshire City and Town Clerks Association stated that their organization does not have a formal position on HB1821. She expressed concerns about the potential heavy financial burden on municipalities due to requirements for developing or accessing a portal for ballot images, particularly for municipal and school district elections. She explained the process with the ImageCast machine used in Derry, where cards recording images remain inside the machine and are typically stored with election materials for retention periods after receiving clearance from the Secretary of State. She suggested that instead of municipalities sending cards or uploading images, the state could handle posting them to avoid fines and logistical issues. She noted that not all votes, such as hand-counted or UVa votes, would produce images since they don't go through the ballot counting device, unlike procedures in other states. She concluded by offering to answer questions.

Berry, Ross(Chairman)(R)[A+]2025	Burnham, Claudine(Clerk)(R)[A-]2025	Qualey, James(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Ward, Gerald(D)[F]2025	Prudhomme-O'Brien, Katherine(R)[B+]2025	Gilmore, Gary(D)[F]2025
See, Alvin(R)[A-]2025	Grill, Jessica(D)[D-]2025	Wood, Clayton(R)[B+]2025
Bay, Luz(D)[F]2025	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025	Harvey-Bolia, Juliet(R)[A-]2025
Muirhead, Russell(D)[D-]2025	Wilhelm, Matthew(D)[F]2025	Lane, Connie(D)[CT]2025
Newsom, James(D)[CT]2025	Toner, Travis(R)[B+]2025	Guzofski, James(R)[B+]2025